A Dose of Science in the Vaccination Strategy

What the editorial is about?

The COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses strategy.

Context:

Recently, the Indian government announced ‘precaution shots’ or the ‘third dose’ of COVID-19 vaccines for select populations.

Major Developments Post Announcements of these ‘Precaution Shots’

There have been four relevant developments.

• First, two COVID-19 vaccines () have received ‘conditional market authorization’.
• Second, phase three clinical trials which include the booster dose of a nasal COVID-19 candidate vaccine have been approved.
• Third, the Omicron wave has largely swept through the country.
• Fourth, ₹5,000 crores have been allocated for COVID-19 vaccines in the Union Budget 2022-23.

Questions that Arise

• What do these new developments mean for the COVID-19 va